Applying for an Immigrant Visa

Document Checklist for Immigrant & K & V Visa Applicants

Please bring all applicable documents (originals plus copies if noted) on this checklist. Visas are often approved the same day for applicants who are prepared with these documents. Visas will not be approved until applicants submit all required documents.

1. For family-sponsored or employment-based applicants, the immigrant visa fee of US$400 (HK$3,200) for each applicant is required if the fee has not already been paid to the National Visa Center. The fee for Diversity Visa applicants is US$775 (HK$6,200). K & V visa applicants need payment receipt from the Dah Sing Bank Ltd.
    
2. Travel documents, i.e. passports (with at least 6 months validity) and copies of the biographic pages; AND any previous travel documents with expired and/or current U.S. visas in them
    
3. Identity cards for Hong Kong and/or Macau and copies
    
4. Two visa photographs (please see separate sheet of "Photographic Requirements"; write your name in block letters on the back of photos)
    
5. Completed "Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration" (Form DS-230 Part II). Do NOT sign the form until your interview with a consular officer. K & V applicants do not require Form DS-230 Part II.
    
6. Immigrant visa applicants require an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) with sponsors' federal income tax return that was current when the I-864 was signed if the affidavit of support has not been submitted to the National Visa Center. K & V visa applicants should provide proof of self-supporting in the U.S. or a job offer for you or a letter from the petitioner's employer. Form I 134 (not Form I-864) executed by the petitioner and his/her federal income tax returns for the most recent tax year may be required when the consular officer deems useful.
    
7. Police certificates from your country of residence for the past 6 months and from other countries in which you have lived for more than 12 months after age 16
    
8. Certificates of trial and court transcripts if you were ever convicted of a crime
    
9. Medical Examinations
    
10. Birth certificates and copies -- English translation is required if written in another language
     
11. Adoption certificates and copies
     
12. Marriage certificates and copies
     
13. Divorce certificates and copies -- petitioner and applicant who have been previously married must obtain legal proof of termination of each prior marriage if the immigration is based on marriage
     
14. Child custody orders and copies
     
15. Evidence of relationship between the principal applicant and petitioner, as well as between the principal applicant and all beneficiaries
     
16. Evidence to show the education and/or work experience required for employment-based and Diversity (lottery) visas. Employment-based applicants need a recent notarized job offer from the employer stating the position and salary.
     
17. Documents not in English should be translated into English and accompanied by a signed statement from the translator stating that the translator is proficient in both languages.
     
18. Civil documents including birth, adoption, death, marriage, divorce, marriage termination and annulment originated from the Philippines must be issued by the National Statistics Office on official security paper.

 

Related Links

• Civil Documents and Police Certificates from the People's Republic of China
• Unobtainable Birth Certificates
• Local Agencies that Offer Assistance in Completing Visa Forms
• Police Clearances from Hong Kong and Macau
• Civil Documents and Police Certificates from Philippines, Requesting a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) through eCensus, Philippines National Statistics Office contact information (PDF file, 945 KB)*
• Medical Examinations (PDF file, 98 KB)*
• Fees
• Visa Photo Requirement

 

*(To view and print PDF files, please download the FREE Adobe Reader.)

 

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Last modified: January 6, 2009